Tim Wakefield | Starting Pitcher

Latest News

Recent News

Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal reports that Tim Wakefield has decided to retire.

He'll officially announce his retirement at a press conference later Friday. Wakefield, 45, played 19 major league seasons and retires with an even 200 wins to go along with a 4.41 ERA and 1.35 WHIP for the Pirates and Red Sox. He wanted to return to the Sox for a 20th season, but they weren't willing to offer him a deal and the knuckleballer has decided to hang up his cleats rather than accept a minor league deal elsewhere. Fri, Feb 17, 2012 11:41:00 AM

Tim Wakefield's agent, Barry Meister, told Scott Lauber of the Boston Herald on Thursday that the knuckleballer will make a decision within the next few days whether he'll continue his playing career in 2012.

"We’re discussing the options — and he has some options — and over the next few days, we’re going to try to figure it out," said Meister. "These next few days is just a period of introspection, where he’s trying to decide what to do, whether to play, who to play for." Wakefield has made it clear that he would like to pitch one more season in Boston, but it doesn't appear as though the interest is mutual. Meister said Wednesday that his client hasn't ruled anything out, including possibly accepting a minor league deal with a spring training invite. The 45-year-old compiled a 5.12 ERA and 93/47 K/BB ratio over 154 2/3 innings last year. Thu, Feb 9, 2012 11:22:00 AM

Tim Wakefield told John Torres of FloridaToday.com that retirement is "something that my wife and I need to talk about."

"I just saw that (Jorge) Posada retired, you know it’s something that my wife and I need to talk about," Wakefield said. "I’d probably need to talk about it with my kids, too. Ultimately, I would like to obviously play for the Boston Red Sox for one more year and see where it goes." It seems like the 45-year-old will only continue playing if the Red Sox give him the opportunity, and at this point it doesn't appear that the team is super anxious to bring him back. Wakefield posted a 5.12 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 93/47 K/BB ratio in 154 2/3 innings last season. Sun, Jan 29, 2012 01:09:00 PM

Tim Wakefield recently told Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe that he has a "strong desire to pitch one more year for the Red Sox."

Wakefield wouldn't rule out a move to the National League, but made it clear that he wants to finish his career in Boston. The interest isn't likely to be mutual. General manager Ben Cherington has been noncommittal when discussing the situation, saying only that the team owed it to him to explain exactly what role he could fill next season. Sat, Dec 3, 2011 11:31:00 AM

Depth Charts

Red Sox placed C Christian Vazquez on the 60-day disabled list with a right elbow injury.

This feels like confirmation that Vazquez is going to need season-ending Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery. Boston acquired catcher Sandy Leon from the Nationals on Monday morning to back up Ryan Hanigan. And top prospect Blake Swihart may be put on the fast track.

Rusney Castillo had three hits in six at-bats against the Rays on Tuesday.

It's undeniable that Castillo has been more impressive than Shane Victorino this spring. The Red Sox also have no real financial incentive to send Castillo down to Triple-A. Still, it's practically certain that they'll go that route unless Victorino or Allen Craig is traded before the week is out.

The Red Sox are throwing Kelly against minor leaguers just in case they have to backdate a disabled list stint for him. The right-hander hasn't appeared in a game in nearly two weeks due to biceps soreness. "We'll continue to make sure that he's answering the physical questions,'' said John Farrell. "With the number of pitches thrown and a progression that's outlined for him...We're keeping their options open.''

Koji Uehara said his ailing left hamstring felt the "same as last time" when he tried to throw a bullpen session Monday.

Uehara hasn't pitched in a game since March 14 and remains unable to throw at 100 percent effort off a mound without his hamstring bothering him. The reliever is expected to begin the season on the disabled list and will likely hang back in extended spring training for a bit. Edward Mujica will be the Red Sox' primary closer while Uehara is on the shelf.